Apparatus for simultaneously cutting a plurality of confectionery products



June 4 w. .1. TAYLOR ET AL 2,204,519

APPARATUS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY CUTTING A ELURALITY 0F CONFECTIONERY PRODUCTS Filed Oct. 8, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet l 1 INVENTORS 1 Wa'ilaam J Taylor Cal-r016 A. Hen/M5153! BY June 1940- w. .1. TAYLOR ET AL 2,294,519

APPARATUS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY CUTTING A PLURALITY 0F CONFECTIONERY PRODUCTS Filed Oct. 8 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 eye )--1 r1 4 IJ "M1 215 219 INVENTORS William J Taylor Car/0Z1 Afiennessy Jupe 11, 1940.

w. .1. TAYLOR ET A2. 2,204,519 APPARATUS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY CUTTING A PLURALI (Y 0F CONFECTIONERY PRODUCTS Filed Oct. 8, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS William J flzg Jor Carroll A.Hetzness g ATT NEY Junel1,"1940. W.J.TAYLOR ET AL 20451 APPARATUS FOR SIMULI'ANEOUSLY CUTTING A PLURALITY 0F CONFECTIONERY PRODUCTS Filed Oct. 8, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 I I [1 128 ii; 144 4a 16? \1 J56 7 146 21.9 Q/6 ff Patented June 11, 1940 UNITED STATES APPARATUS FbR, SIMULTANEOUSLY CUT- TING A PLURALITY F CONFECTIONERY PRODUCTS William J. Taylor and Carroll A. Hennessy,

Syracuse, N. Y., assignors to Joe Lowe Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application October 8,

10 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to improvements in cutting machines, and it has particular relation to a machine of the type in which large blocks of frozen ice cream, ice milk, sherbet, water-ice, frozen custard and the like, may be out simultaneously into a plurality of frozen confectionery products in a most efiicient, economical and sanitary manner.

The invention, in the specific embodiments il- Tl lustrated in the accompanying drawings, relates more particularly to the cutting of cylindrically shaped blocks or frozen material, having a plurality of longitudinally spaced handle members projecting therefrom, into a plurality of individual confectionery products, each being provided with oneof said handle members.

In the specific embodiments illustrated, the apparatus, Whichis constructed as a portable unit, consists of a frame structure having a slotted table top over which is mounted a suitable slicingor cutting mechanism. The cutting mechanism consists essentially of two oppositely mounted reciprocating knife or saw frames carrying a plurality of alternately spaced reciprocat- 5 ing cutting knives or saws, having their cutting edges arranged substantially in 'a single transverse vertical plane. The saw carrying frames are suitably reciprocated through connecting rods, link members, eccentric rods and l eccentrics, which latter members are suitably connected to a single drive shaft that is driven by an electrically operated motor. A pair of tracks aremoimted longitudinally of the slotted table top and through the knife or saw carrying 3 frames for slidably receiving a movable carriage member. The carriage member is provided with a slotted cradle-like supporting structure having a recess for receiving a block of frozen material to be cut or severed. The slotted supporting,

9 structure is adapted to be passed between and through the cutting knives or saws, and the cylindrically shaped block of frozen material positioned thereon, having a plurality of longitudinally spaced handle members projecting outwardly therefrom, is thereupon severed or cut into a plurality of individual pieces each containing a handle member. As the carriage member is moved along the tracks and the slotted supporting structure containing the block of 3 frozen material to be out is passed between and through the cutting saws, the projecting ends of the handle members are releasably secured in a portable carrier which has been manually positioned upon suitable guide supporting rails 5 mounted adjacent the opposite end of the car- 1938, Serial No. 233,956

riage member. The portable carrier permits re moval of all of thecompletely severed and now individual confectionery products simultaneously by means of their projecting handle members to any other part of the plant for coating, such as by dipping, wrapping, etc. as a single unit. It will be apparent from the foregoing brief description that a plurality of individual confectionery products can be simultaneously formed from a large block of frozen material in a most efiicient, economical and sanitary manner.

An object of the invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive cutting machine, having a multiple cutting mechanism, which will simultaneously sever a single large block of frozen material, of any desired shape, containing a plurality of longitudinally spaced handle members, into a plurality of individual frozen convfectionery products each containing a handle member, without binding or sticking,

Another object of the invention is the provision of a cutting machine of the character described which is adapted to cut or sever a large single book of frozenmaterial, having no outside Wrapper or other protective covering, into a plurality of individual confectionery products of equal size and shape Without crunching, chipping or breaking the frozen substance, thereby damaging the severed confection.

A further object of the invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive cutting machine of the,

character described With a movable carriage mechanism, having a slotted supporting structure of cradle-like shape for receiving a large block of material, which cradle-like structure is so designed and constructed as to pass between and through the cutting knives or. saws While holding the material to be cut during the actual cutting or severing operation.

Another object of the invention is the pro-"" vision of a cutting mechanism of thecharacter described, having a movable carriage for holding the material to be cut, which carriage has a slotted cradle-like supporting structure that is adapted to pass between and through the cut-' termined position so that theymay be deliveredin a single plane to a portable gripping and carrying apparatus.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cutting mechanism of the character described,

Which is provided with a movable carriage hav-- ing a cradle-like supporting structure for holding a large block of material to be cut containing a plurality of spaced handle members projecting therefrom in a predetermined position with said handle members supported in a predetermined plane, which carriage mechanism is adapted to be passed by movement of the carriage mechanism through and beyond the cutting saws, means are provided on the opposite end of the carriage mechanism for positioning and slidably moving a portable carrier member in said predetermined plane of said handle members for simultaneously receiving and securing said handle members into the receiving mechanism of said carrier member.

Other and further objects and advantages of the invention reside in the detailed construction of the apparatus, which result in simplicity,

- economy and efiiciency, and which will be apparent from the following description, wherein a preferred form of embodiment of the invention is shown, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part thereof, in which:

Fig. l is a side elevational view of a machine constructed in accordance with the invention, the same having its side cover plate removed for the sake of clearness;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a top plan View, with parts being broken away for the sake of clearness, of the machine shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. f is a sectional view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 3, the same being taken substantially along the line 44 thereof;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the movable carriage mechanism, the same being taken substantially along the line 4-4 of Fig. 3, and illustrating the removal of the completely severed confectionery products therefrom by means of a portable carrier member:

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the driving and cutting mechanism, having portions thereof broken away for the sake of clearness, the same being taken substantially along the line 6-6 of '7 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line l''l of Fig. 6, the same illustrating the mounting of the individual knives or saw blades on the frame structure of the machine;

.150 Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the movable carriage mechanism, illustrating the respective positions of the knives or saw blades and handle members in dot and dash lines;

9 is an end view of the movable carriage mechanism;

Fig. 10 is a side view of the movable carriage mechanism shown in Fig. 9; and

Fig. ll is a perspective View of one type of frozen confectionery product which is provided with a handle member that can be cut from a single cylindrically shaped block of composite frozen material with the apparatus.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate likeparts, there is shown a box-likc supporting frame structure I21, consisting of vertical uprights or standards 13, which are suitably connected and braced by horizontal members M and reinforced at the corners with angular plates 55. The supporting structure [2 is suitably enclosed by end plates l6 and side plates ll, the side plates I! having their vertical edges turned inwardly to form a covering strip #8 for the vertical edges of the side plates H. The top of the supporting structure I2 is covered with a pair of spaced bed plates [9, providing a transverse opening or slot 20 centrally thereof. The lateral edges of the plates I9 are turned down to form a covering strip 2| for the top edges of the end plates l6 and side plates ll. Small cover plates 23 are mounted over that l portion of the slot 20 beyond the cutting mechanism. In this manner the operating mechanism,

which is entirely enclosed within the supporting structure I2, is kept free from dirt, dust, dripping of confectionery material, etc. at all times. 1 The lower ends of the standards l3 are provided with casters 22, which make the supporting structure l2 readily movable from place to place.

Mounted transversely of the supporting frame structure I2 is a crank case 22, which is susl pended from suitable angle iron brace rods 24 secured to the supporting structure l2 on the standards l3. The crank case 22 has a top cover plate v26 suitably secured thereto. A gasket 28 is positioned between the crank case 22 and the cover plate 26, and an angular overlapping plate 29 is mounted, as best shown in Fig. 4, transversely of the frame structure between the brace members 24 and the cover plate 26, thereby sealing the top of the crank case 22 against dust, dirt and drippings from the confectionery material, as well as preventing leakage of oil from splashing, etc. The top of the cover plate 26 is providedwith an inlet plug 39, through which oil may be inserted into the crank case 22, and, f inasmuch as the crank case housing 22 is substantially air-tight,'the inlet plug 30 is provided with an atmospheric air discharge vent 32 to relieve any compression which might be created therein by movement of the driving mechanism. A suitable outlet plug 34 is provided in the bottom of the crank case housing 22 for draining the oil therefrom.

The crank case housing 22 has apertures 36 extending through its sidewall at opposite ends i thereof into which are mounted flanged bearing members 38 secured by bolts 39. A crank shaft 49 is journaled in the bearing members 38 for operating the cutting mechanism hereinafter to be described. Each of the bearing members 38 consists of a double row of self-aligning radial ball bearings 42, which are provided with an extended inner bearing race 44 suitably secured to the shaft by means of headless set screws. The opposite or outer sides of the bearing members 38 are provided with Garlock closures or suitable packing rings Mi, which prevent leakage of oil along the crank shaft 40 from the bearing members 38.

The crank shaft 40 has a reduced stub shaft 48 adjacent one end thereof, which has a driving pulley wheel 50 keyed thereto by means of a key 52. A belt 54 connects the pulley wheel 50 to a driving wheel 56, which in turn is mounted on a drive shaft 58 of a motor 60. The motor 60 is supported by a platform 62 fastened to angle iron supporting members 64 secured intermediate the ends of the standards 13. The motor 60 is operated through a suitable starting box 66, containing a conventional starting switch 68 and i a stopping switch 10.

Vertical guide frame members 12 of bifurcated form, having horizontal base flanges 14, are mounted through the table top l9 adjacent the opposite sides of the frame structure l2 and centrally of the slot 2!] extending transversely of the top 19. The frame members 12 have their base flanges M mounted on top of the cover plate 26 of the crank case 22 and the brace rods 24 to which they are suitably secured by bolts 16. I

Bolts ll also secure the guide frames I2 to the horizontal brace rods M. The inner sides of the lower ends of each of the frame members l2 areprovided with a pair of vertical bearing members I8, whch are formed integrally therewith. The bearing members I8 contain bearings I9. extending downwardly through the cover plate 26 and into the crank case 22 adjacent eachend thereof. The inner sides of the bearing members I8 are provided with short horizontal flanges 88 which are in turn secured to, the top cover plate 26 of the crank case 22 by means of L- shaped brackets 82 and clamping bolts 84. The integrally formed upper ends 8| of the guide frame members I2 project inwardly, providing a pair of vertical bearing members 83, having a suitable grease fitting 85. The bearing members I9 and 83 are mounted in vertical alignment on each side of the machine, and are adapted to receive and guide vertically extending connecting rods as will be hereinafter more fully described.

The crank shaft 48 is provided with two spaced pairs of eccentrics or cranks 86 and 88, which are suitably keyed thereto by means of the keys 88 and 82, respectively. The eccentrics 86 and 88 are mounted at one hundred and eighty degrees from one another on the shaft 48, and are thereby caused to impart an alternating and reciprocating motion of about one-half inch in length to their respective eccentric. rods Miami 88. A balance or fly wheel I88 is provided for each pair of eccentrics 86 and 88. The fly wheels I88 are keyed to the shaft 48 by means of. the keys I82 a short distance inwardly from. their respective pairs of eccentrics 86 and 88. While only one side of the drive shaft 48 is shown in I splash oil up and into the oil holes I84 for lubrication purposes when the oil level in the crank case .22 has dropped below the oil holes I84. I

Theopposite ends of the eccentric rods 96 and 88' are respectively pivotally connected, as indicated at M8. to hollow connecting link members I88 and I88. The link members I86 and I88 are internally threaded at their upper ends, as indicated at I88, and are adapted to receive and engage the lower threaded ends of the connecting rods H6 and H8, respectively, as indicated at II2.

The connecting rods H6 and H8 are vertically slidable in the bearings I9 and 83 of the guide frame members I2. The upper ends of the connecting rods II6 and H8 are threaded to receive "bosses I28 and I22, respectively, which are easily removable for the purpose of assembling or removing the saw frame mechanism from the connecting rods. I

The saw mechanism, which is best shown in Figs. "5, 6 and'l, consists of a pair of spaced reciprocating saw frames I24 and I26 of substantially rectangular shape, having integrally formed upper cross-bars I28 provided with outwardly projecting hollow clamping collars I38 and a clamping bolt I32. The integrally formed lower cross-bars I34 have outwardly extending lugs I36, which are provided with a vertical aperture I38. The opening I39 in the clamping collars I38 and the apertures I38 in the lugs I36 are in vertical alignment on each side of the machine, and such vertically aligned'openings are adapted to receive and engage the connecting rods H6 and H8. The saw frames I24 and I26 are mounted transversely of the frame structure I2 on the connecting rods II 6 and 8, respectively, with their upper cross-bars I28 positioned above the table top I9 and with their lower crossbars I34 positioned below the table top l9 and above the crank case cover 26. When the saw frames I24 and I26 are slidablypositioned over their respective connecting rods H6 and M8, the bottom sides of the lower lugs I36, which are recessed. as indicated at I48, receive and engage the tops of the connecting link members I86 and I88, as best shown in Fig, 6, which act as supports for he saw or knife frame structures I28 and I22. By turning the connecting rod II6 by means of its boss I28 and the connecting rod II8 by means of its boss I22, their respective connecting link members I86, which are thereupon further threaded onto their respective connecting rods I I6 and I I8, are pulled up tightly against the bottom surfaces of the lower lugs I36, thereby causing the saw frames I24 and I26 to be brought up tightly against their bosses I28 and I22 and the frames I24 and I26 are wedged between the tops of said connecting link members I86. and I88 and the bosses I28 and I28, respectively,

forming a rigid connection therebetween. The

the unobstructed ends of the connecting rods.

As best shown in Fig. 7, each of the saw orknife frames I24 and I26 have their upper cross-bars I28 provided with a series of longitudinally spaced and inwardly projecting lugs I42. The lugs I42 of the cross-bar I28 of the saw frame I24 are alternately positioned thereon with respect to the lugs I42 of the cross-bar I28 of the saw frame I28. 'In this manner the lugs I42 of the respective cross-bars are staggered with respect to one another and mesh along a common center line transversely of the machine and in vertical alignment with the slot 28 in the table top I9. Each of the holes I44 of the lugs I42 is adapted toreceive adjustable saw or knife hook I46, comprising a yoked shapedhook member I48, a guide pin I58, a spring tensioning member I52 and an adjusting nut I54. A recess I56 in the bottom of the lug I 42 guides and prevents the hook member I48 from turning on its guide pin I58. The lower cross-bars I34 are provided with fixed saw or knife hooks I58, which are spaced and positioned transversely .of the machine I2 in the same manner as the lugs I42 of the upper cross-bars I28. The lugs I42 and the saw or knife hooks I58'are therefore in vertical alignment on. their respective saw or knife frames. Each of the saw hooks I58 is provided with a slot or recess I68 in the lower side thereof. Saw or knife blades I62, which are provided with laterally projecting pins I64 integrally formed adjacent each end thereof, are adapted to be mounted between the yoked shaped hooks I48 on the upper cross-bars I28 and the fixed saw hooks I58 of the lower cross-bar I34 of the same saw frame member by means of the projecting saw or knife pins I64.

Mounted on the upper ends 8| of the guide members I2 by means of a bolt I 65 is an angle iron bracket I66 upon which is fastened a hood or cover member I68 by means of a bolt I18 and wing nut I12. This cover member I88 protects the operator from coming into contact with the reciprocating saw or knife frames I24 and I28 when the machine is in operation.

Associated with the saw cutting mechanism is a movable carriage member I18, which is adapted to be moved longitudinally of the machine on tracks I12 and pass between and through the re ciprocating saws or knife blades I82, which has a cradle supporting structure for holding a block of material to be cut. The tracks I 12 are secured by bolts I13 to the table top I8 intermediate the sides thereof. As best shown in Fig. 9, the tracks I12 are of an L-shaped construction, having their short arms I14 mounted along the table top I8 and their long arms I18 spaced therefrom and projecting outwardly towards the sides I1 of the frame structure I2. Stops I18 are provided adjacent the ends of the tracks I12 to limit the movement of the carriage member I18 thereover.

The movable carriage member I18 comprises a U-shaped base plate I88, having longitudinally extending legs I82. The base plate I88 is provided adjacent the underside of each' corner with roller members I82 secured thereto by means of screws I83. The roller members I82 facilitate movement of the carriage member I18 over the tracks I12. Each of the roller members I82 consists of a block I84, having a recess intermediate its ends and sides to horizontally receive a wheel I88, which is journaled on a. pin I88. The pin I88 also serves to secure a locking plate I98, having an inwardly projecting flange I92, to the base of the roller member I82. The flange I 92 of the roller member I82 engages the arm I18 of the track I12 and prevents removal of the carriage member I18 therefrom. A wearing plate I94 is secured to the underside of the base plate II88 by means of screws I85 for slidably engaging the top of the arm I18 of the track I12, thereby preventing excessive wear on the base plate I88 at this point.

The base plate 488 of the carriage member I18 is provided with a plurality of slots I98 suitable to receive and permit the saw or knife blades I82 to pass therethrough and operate therein, and the base plate I88 is also provided adjacent its front end with a vertically extending integrally formed end plate I98, which is substantially triangular in shape in its vertical cross-section. Mounted on the base plate I88 adjacent the rear side of the end plate I98 and spaced thereon transversely of the machine are a plurality of individual fingers 288, Which are secured thereto by screws 28I and which have their rear side recessed, as indicated at 282, to provide a semicircular cradle-like supporting structure that is adapted to support a cylindrically shaped roll of confectionery material 284, having a plurality of longitudinally spaced handle members projecting therefrom along a common radial plane. The confectionery material 284 is to be cut simultaneously into a plurality of individual confectionery products 288, each being provided with a single handle member 288. It is to be understood that the shape of the fingers 288, which form the cradle-like structure, may be varied" in any desired manner to conform to the shape of the block of material to be cut on the machine. Certain of the fingers 288 extend beyond the others, as indicated at'2I 8, and are provided with upwardly projecting lugs 2I2, which are adapted to provide means for supporting certain of the radially protruding handle members 288 of the block of material 284, thereby retaining such handle members 288 in a predetermined horizontal plane'for delivery to a portable carrier member 2I4 of conventional construction, having handle receiving and engaging funnels 2 I5. The portable carrier 2I4 is manually positioned on the elevated guide rails 2 I8 secured to the opposite end of the movable carriage member I18 on the extending legs I82 with its receiving funnels EIE facing the cutting knives or saw blades I852. The portable carrier is adapted to be slidably moved across the elevated guide rails 2I8 into engagement with the projecting ends of the handlemembers 288 projecting through the cutting mechanism. The front end of the carriage member H8 is provided with a pusher handle member 2I8 secured thereto by suitable bolts 228. The back end of the carriage member I18 is also provided with a handle-member 2I1 secured to theelevated guide rails 2I8 by means of bolts In the operation of the apparatus, the starting switch 88 and stopping switch 18 controlthe motor 88, which through the belt 54 and pulley wheel 58 drives the shaft 48, thereby imparting through the eccentrics 88 and 88, connecting link members 98 and 98, and connecting rods 188 and 188 a reciprocatory movement to their respective saw frames I24 and I28,which in turn cause their respective saw or knife blades I82 to alternately reciprocate. In the construction shown, the alternate saws or knives I82 move in opposite directions to each other, thereby preventing the material 284 being cut from being pulled out of the recess 282 of its supporting cradle 288 by the frictional engagement of the moving knives.

The carriage mechanism H8 with its cradlelike supporting structure 288 is now positioned against the forward end of the machine I2 on the tracks I12, and is in position to receive the block of material 284 to be cut. The material 284 is: manually inserted in the recess 282, which is of a substantially similar contour to the block 284, with the projectinghandle members 288 pointing rearwardly toward the cutting mechanism. Certain'of the handle members 288 are positioned on the spaced upstanding lugs 28.2, which serve to maintain the entire row of protruding handle members 288 in a predetermined horizontalplane for delivery to the receiving funnels 2I5of the portable carrier 2I4 which is positioned on the opposite end of the carriage mechanism upon the elevated guide rails 286. The carriage mechanism I18 is now ready to be manually pushed rearwardly by means of the pusher handle 2I8, the handle sticks 288 passing between'adjacent knives or saw blades I82, which now begin actually to sever the material 284 as it is moved therethrough against the moving blades I82; After the protruding ends of the handle members 288 have been moved through and, beyond the knives I82, the portable carrier member 2I4, which has been mounted horizon tally'on the guide'rails 2I8, is moved forwardly until its receiving funnels 2I5 facing the knives -I82 receive and engage the projecting ends of 'said'handle members 288, which'a-re in the same horizontal plane as the receiving funnels 215. When the cradle-like supporting structure 282 of th e'carriage member I18 has been moved entirely through the knives or saws I82, the block of members 2880f the individual confections 288 are secured in the receiving funnels 215 of the portable carrier 2 I4, and may *be simultaneously carried, coated, etc, as though they were still a single unit. Obviously, the entire severing operation is accomplished without bringlng the hands of the operator, or operators, into direct contact with the edible portion of the confectionery products 268, thereby insuring an efficient and highly sanitary cutting and manipulating operation. i

Although we have only'described in detail one form which the invention may assume it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the in vention is not so limited, but that various modifications may be made therein without depart-- ing from the spirit thereof or from the scope of the appended claims.

What we claim is: i

1. Apparatus of the class described comprising a supporting structure having a slotted table mounted thereon, reciprocating knife carrying frames carrying a plurality of alternately spaced reciprocating cutting knives which operate through the slot in said table, means for reciprocating said knife carrying frames, and, in

combination therewith, a movable carriage memher having a materialsupporting structure that is adapted to be passed between and through said cutting knives, said supporting structure having means for receiving a block of material containing a plurality of longitudinally spaced and outwardly projecting handle members protruding therefrom which is to be cut simultaneously into a plurality of individual pieces each containing a handle member when the same is passed between said knives, and means for maintaining said projecting handle members spaced from the top of said slotted table.

2. Apparatus of the class described comprising a supporting structure having a slotted table mounted thereon, reciprocating knife carrying frames carrying a plurality of alternately spaced reciprocating cutting knives which operate through the slot in said table, means for reciprocating said knife carrying frames, and, in combination therewith, a movable carriage memher having a slotted supporting structure that is adapted to be passed between and through said cutting knives, said slotted structure having a plurality of transversely spaced upwardly extending curved fingers forming a cradle-like recessfor receiving a block of material containing a plurality of longitudinally spaced and outwardly projecting handle members protruding therefrom which is to be cut simultaneously into a plurality of individual pieces each containing a handle member when the same is passed be tween and through said knives.

3. Apparatus of the class described comprising a supporting structure having a slotted table mounted thereon, reciprocating knife carrying frames carrying a plurality of alternately spaced reciprocating cutting knives which operate through the slot in said table, means for reciprocating said knife carrying, frames, and, in

.reciprocating cutting knives ously into a plurality of individual pieces each containing a handle member when the block is passed through said cutting knives.

4. Apparatus of the class described comprising a supporting structure having a slottedtable mounted thereon, reciprocating knife carrying,

for receiving a block of material containing a plurality of longitudinally spaced and outwardly projecting handle members protruding therefrom in a single plane which is to be cut simultaneously into a plurality of individual pieces each containing a handle member when the same is passed between said knives, said carriage having means spaced forwardly of said recess for maintaining said handle members in a predetermined position while the material is being out and passed between said cutting knives.

5. Apparatus of the class described comprising a supporting structure having a slotted table mounted thereon, reciprocating knife carrying frames carrying a plurality of alternately spaced which operate through the slot in said table, means for reciprocating said knife carrying frames, and, in combination therewith, a movable carriage member having a cradle-like supporting structure consisting of a plurality of transversely spaced longitudinally extending fingers which are curved upwardly and which are adapted to pass between and through said cutting knives, said cradle-like structure having a recess for receiving a block of material containing a plurality of longitudinally spaced and outwardly projecting handle members protruding therefrom in a single plane which isto be cut simultaneously into a plurality of individual pieces each containing a handle member when the block is passed through said cutting knives, and means projecting beyond said fingers for supporting said handle members in a predetermined plane while the material is being cut.

6. Apparatus of the class described comprising a supporting structure having a slotted table mounted thereon, reciprocating knife carrying frames'carrying a plurality of alternately spaced reciprocating cutting knives which operate through the slot in said table, means for reciprocating said knife carrying frames, and, in combination therewith, a movable carriage member having a supporting structure that is adapted to be passed between and through said cutting knives, said supporting structure having means for'receiving a block of material containing a plurality of longitudinally spaced and outwardly projecting handle members in a single plane which is to be cut simultaneously into a plurality of individual pieces each containing a iii) handle member when the same is passed between i and through said cutting knives, said supporting structure having means associated therewith for maintaining said handle members in a predemined plane during the cutting operation, said carriage member having means spaced from said supporting structure for receiving and supporting a portable carrier in the same predetermined plane as the handle members for receiving and engaging the projecting ends thereof as they are passed through the cutting knives.

7. Apparatus of the class described comprising a supporting structure having a slotted table mounted thereon, reciprocating knife carrying frames carrying a plurality of alternately spaced reher when the same is passed between and through said cutting knives, said supporting structure having elevated supporting means associated therewith for maintaining said handle members in a predetermined horizontal plane spaced from the table of the supporting structure during the cutting operation, said carriage member having second elevated track supporting means spaced from said material supporting structure for receiving and slidably supporting a portable carrier in the same horizontal plane as the handle member whereby the carrier may be slidably moved toward said cutting mechanism for receiving and engaging the projecting ends of the handle members as they are passed therethrough.

8. Apparatus of the class described comprising a supporting structure having a slotted table mounted thereon, reciprocating knife carrying frames carrying a plurality of alternately spaced reciprocating cutting knives which operate through the slot in said table, means for reciprocating said knife carrying frames, and, in combination therewith, spaced tracks mounted on said slotted table and extending through said knife carrying frames having a carriage member movable thereover, means mounted on said carriage member for maintaining a plurality of handle members in spaced vertical relation thereto, said carriage member having a cradle-like supporting structure adapted to be passed over said tracks and between and through said cutting knives, said cradle-like structure having means for receiving a block of material containing a plurality of longitudinally spaced and radially extending handle members projecting therefrom which is to be cut simultaneously into a plurality of individual pieces each containing a handle member when the same is passed between said knives.

9. Apparatus of the class described comprising a supporting structure having a slotted table mounted thereon, reciprocating knife carrying member slidably mounted thereon, stops secured to said tracks for limiting the movement of-said carriage member, said carriage member having a cradle-like supporting structure of a slotted construction which is adapted to be passed'between and through said cutting knives, said cradle-like structure having means for receiving a block of material containing a plurality of longitudinally spaced handle members projecting therefrom in a single plane which is to be cut simultaneously into a plurality of individual pieces each containing a handle member when the same is passed between. said knives, means spaced from said supporting structure for maintaining said handle members in a predetermined position, means for supporting a portable carrier member in alignment with said projecting handle members, and means for moving said carriage member over said tracks.

10. Apparatus of the class described comprising a supporting structure having a slotted table mounted thereon, reciprocating knife carrying frames carrying a plurality of alternately spaced reciprocating cutting knives which operate through the slot in said table, means for reciprocating said knife carrying frames, and, in combination therewith, spaced tracks mounted on said table top and extending through said knife carrying frames having a reciprocating carriage member slidably mounted thereon, stops secured to said tracks for limiting the movement of said carriage member, said carriage member having a cradle-like supporting structure consisting of a plurality of spaced fingers adapted to be passed between and through said cutting knives, said cradle-like structure having a recess therein for receiving a block of material containing a plurality of longitudinally spaced handle members projecting therefrom in alignment which is to be cutsimultaneously into a plurality of individual pieces each containing a handle member when the same is passed between said knives, means mounted on said cradle-like structure for engaging certain of said projecting handle members and supporting them in a predetermined plane, means mounted on the opposite end of said carriage member and on the opposite side of said cutting knives for supporting a portable carrier in the same predetermined plane, and means mounted adjacent an end of the carriage member for moving the same back and forth along said tracks.

WILLIAM J. TAYLOR. CARROLL A. HENNESSY. 

